Flatbed trucking involves the transportation of freight on trailers that have no sides or roofs, allowing for easy loading and unloading of large or awkward cargo. Common loads include construction materials, heavy equipment, steel, lumber, and large machinery. Due to the nature of the freight, flatbed haulers must be highly skilled, particularly in securement practices to comply with safety regulations.
Benefits of utilizing Flatbed Equipment
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- Flatbed trucks can carry a wide range of goods that don't fit into standard enclosed trailers. Common examples include:
- Heavy machinery and construction equipment
- Lumber, steel beams, and piping
- Prefabricated structures and large industrial components
- Crated or palletized goods that can be top- or side-loaded.
- Easy Loading and Unloading
- Freight can be loaded/unloaded from the sides, rear, or above via crane or forklift.
- Faster loading improves turnaround times and reduces labor bottlenecks.
- Accommodates Oversized and Overweight Loads
- Wide, tall, or long loads
- Heavy cargo requiring special securement
- Multi-axle trailers (e.g., lowboys, step decks, double drops)
- Customization and Special Equipment Options
- Step deck and double drop trailers (for taller freight)
- Removable goosenecks (RGNs) for self-powered heavy machinery
- Conestoga flatbeds (tarping system that offers weather protection without loading limitations)
- Ideal for Construction and Industrial Supply Chains
- Job site deliveries
- Oilfield support
- Utility poles, transformers, rebar, scaffolding, etc.
Below are a few recent flatbed shipments we've managed at OverDrive Logistics.